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+--- Thread: A tree question...my neighbor cut down a shade tree! (/showthread.php?tid=78838)
A tree question...my neighbor cut down a shade tree! - katkramer - 05-29-2009
I had a neighbor who had a beautiful mature willow tree that provided our home and back patio with a lot of nice shade and privacy from their upstairs bedroom windows.
Last spring, the neighbor cut it down. We have an HOA in our neighborhood, and the neighbor was supposed to get permission to cut it down, which would have been denied.
However, the tree is gone, and we've lost something that added to the value of our home. Now the idiot has put in a trampoline, and their little monster brats can look directly at our back patio (about 8 feet away from the trampoline). I feel like our privacy has been totally destroyed.
I've tried a Google search, but can't find anything about this situation. Anyone have experience with this?
Re: A tree question...my neighbor cut down a shade tree! - rgG - 05-29-2009
My only suggestion is for you to plant a relatively fast growing tree or a row of tall hedges on your property; that way, you will have control over the shade and privacy issues. There are lots of trees/tall shrubs that you could plant, depending on your lot and where you live. A fence is another option, depending on you HOA regulations.
Edit: I don't think there is much you can do about the already gone tree or the trampoline, unless your HOA forbids them. You might check to see if your HOA or city codes has any set back requirements for such things.
Re: A tree question...my neighbor cut down a shade tree! - Tofer - 05-29-2009
I suggest consulting a lawyer. He/she will be able to answer the questions about the HOA, monetary loss, etc. What did your HOA have to say about it? (nothing, I'm guessing).
Re: A tree question...my neighbor cut down a shade tree! - katkramer - 05-29-2009
I'm thinking about planting some clumping bamboo, but I only have 3 feet between my back porch and the 6' cedar privacy fence. If I plant anything there, it blocks my access to the gate.
I have just figured out that her shed is too close to the back fence and side fence, too.
Apparently, according to the HOA, a trampoline is a "temporary" structure, and doesn't require permission or a permit. But it's terrible, and it's an eyesore. We have very strict restrictions, and I'm very surprised that these are even allowed.
Perhaps I can shoot her kids with a water cannon as their heads pop up over the fence? That might be fun!!
Re: A tree question...my neighbor cut down a shade tree! - katkramer - 05-29-2009
Tofer wrote:
I suggest consulting a lawyer. He/she will be able to answer the questions about the HOA, monetary loss, etc. What did your HOA have to say about it? (nothing, I'm guessing).
They're "looking into it," but that's what they always say. They're absolutely worthless, unless you're doing something really bad...like parking your car on the street overnight! Ooooohhhhhh...
Re: A tree question...my neighbor cut down a shade tree! - Tofer - 05-29-2009
katkramer wrote:
[quote=Tofer]
I suggest consulting a lawyer. He/she will be able to answer the questions about the HOA, monetary loss, etc. What did your HOA have to say about it? (nothing, I'm guessing).
They're "looking into it," but that's what they always say. They're absolutely worthless, unless you're doing something really bad...like parking your car on the street overnight! Ooooohhhhhh...
I hear you. Does your HOA tape stern notes to your door if you don't mow for two weeks? (even if it has been raining for three weeks straight?)
Re: A tree question...my neighbor cut down a shade tree! - Gutenberg - 05-29-2009
Look into arborvitae. Very attractive and grows fast.
Re: A tree question...my neighbor cut down a shade tree! - rz - 05-29-2009
katkramer wrote:
I have just figured out that her shed is too close to the back fence and side fence, too.
Do you live in a city/county that has rules about that? They can force her take the shed down or move it. I live in a city, and there are rules about setbacks for sheds (5 feet from property line). Code enforcement fines can accrue quickly. There's a guy near here who had so many fines, they put him in jail.
Re: A tree question...my neighbor cut down a shade tree! - Paul F. - 05-29-2009
How dare they do something with their own property.
Have them arrested and shot.
Re: A tree question...my neighbor cut down a shade tree! - Tofer - 05-29-2009
Paul F. wrote:
How dare they do something with their own property.
Have them arrested and shot.
I hear this, too. That said, when you buy into a development with an HOA, you're agreeing to follow it. If you don't like it, don't buy in a development with an HOA. We can't all live in the hills of NorCal, now can we? (speaking of which, tomorrow I'm moving to San Francisco for the summer--I'm planning on a long-weekend trip up north at some point, and I'm excited about it!).
-Tofer